The Arizona Coyotes unveiled a proposal for a new arena facility Monday that would include a new rink for the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Plans for the new project include a 16,000-seat NHL arena for the Coyotes and an attached 4,000-seat multi-sport arena that would be used by the university's athletics department, as well as for Coyotes practices, youth hockey programs, and community events.
It's certainly a step in the right direction for the franchise, but Craig Morgan of 98.7 Sports reports that the project has not been finalized.
"Sources stressed that this is not an agreement to build an arena on the site," Morgan writes. "That would only come after the Coyotes have shown they have met all the requirements to go ahead with the project, but all sides expressed optimism that those goals can be achieved."
The Coyotes announced they have entered into an exclusive negotiation agreement with Catellus Development Corporation, the master developer for the Arizona State University Facilities District, to work toward finalizing the East Valley project.
It carries a deadline of June 30, 2017 for creating the budget, design, and operational plan for the development.
The pact comes after years of difficult dealings with the city council in Glendale, where the Coyotes have played since 2003 after relocating from downtown Phoenix.
"A different location and a better relationship can do wonders for a franchise, and I expect it will," NHL commissioner Bill Daly said Monday, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.
Glendale City Council voted to end its lease agreement with the Coyotes in June 2015.
The Coyotes will now focus on partnering with the City of Tempe, the State of Arizona, and other public sector constituents.
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